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Michael Schumacher's future after Mercedes


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Poll: Michael Schumacher's future after Mercedes (299 member(s) have cast votes)

Michael Schumacher's future after Mercedes

  1. Ferrari (63 votes [21.07%])

    Percentage of vote: 21.07%

  2. Lotus (3 votes [1.00%])

    Percentage of vote: 1.00%

  3. Sauber (55 votes [18.39%])

    Percentage of vote: 18.39%

  4. Force India (1 votes [0.33%])

    Percentage of vote: 0.33%

  5. Williams (7 votes [2.34%])

    Percentage of vote: 2.34%

  6. Toro Rosso (0 votes [0.00%])

    Percentage of vote: 0.00%

  7. Marussia (3 votes [1.00%])

    Percentage of vote: 1.00%

  8. Caterham (2 votes [0.67%])

    Percentage of vote: 0.67%

  9. HRT (17 votes [5.69%])

    Percentage of vote: 5.69%

  10. Retirement (138 votes [46.15%])

    Percentage of vote: 46.15%

  11. Other (please specify) (10 votes [3.34%])

    Percentage of vote: 3.34%

Vote

#151 artista

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:11

I thought lotus already announced that their 2013 driver line up will not be changed. Or was that not official, just talk from team boss?

Just talk, they have not made any official statement yet.
But then, i don't really know if taking the option for the second year, in a contract that was originally announced as 2 years long, is worth an official announcement with music and fanfare.

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#152 vidc

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:12

...
On the other hand, go to Ferrari and be Alonso's number two? That would further serve to diminish his reputation. Or he could challenge Alonso for the title. That would be bad for Alonso and for Ferrari. Why would they do that to the guy who's their #1. Bringing in MSC to take a title would ruin the Ferrari-Alonso relationship and its just not worth it for them just to give an old man another chance.

hm, if you read what Alonso is saying than there shouldn't be problems. If by some miracle Schumacher goes to Ferrari and proves faster than Alonso, than Alonso will be happy to be his no.2 driver... because Alonso says that they need driver that will put Ferrari's interest above his own, driver that respects Ferrari and live for succes of Ferrari formula 1 team!


 ;) ;)

#153 spinster

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:14

Just talk, they have not made any official statement yet.
But then, i don't really know if taking the option for the second year, in a contract that was originally announced as 2 years long, is worth an official announcement with music and fanfare.


they might make a brand new contract till 2015 or... he will use his option and look to 2014 possibilities from RBR of Mclaren...

I'm still wondering why it takes so long because the option ended on the end of september...

#154 steveninthematrix

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:15

He'd be silly to continue. I hope he retires and enjoys life.


whats not to enjoy about being paid millions of dollars to drive F1 cars around the world? I'd do it for free food :D

#155 ayali

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:16

I think he is waiting for Ferrari. He basically has Sauber in the bag, if he gets Ferrari then that would be fine and if not, he will go to Sauber.

Peter Sauber would do well to get Schumacher to join his team.
Maybe for 1 or 2 years in the car as long as Michael still enjoys that
Then let him take a managerial role, perhaps let him buy a share in the team

#156 Vesuvius

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:20

One problem for Michael coming back to Ferrari is that during the time when Alonso came o the team there were rumours that it was Alonso and his management team that wanted Schumi away from advisor role, first it was only rumour but then suddenly Schumi was out of the team...but then again Schumi is not in his best anymore althougt he is driving in very high level and would still cause trouble for Alonso sometimes.

#157 RedBaron

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:22

I don't buy into this management role as much as many other are. I just can't see it. He stayed on at Ferrari after 2006 because it was Ferrari. I can't see him doing the same for Sauber or Mercedes.

#158 pRy

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:27

I think he is waiting for Ferrari. He basically has Sauber in the bag, if he gets Ferrari then that would be fine and if not, he will go to Sauber.


One problem with Ferrari (Ignoring all the obvious issues with Alonso, team harmony, Luca, etc etc)..

http://cdn-8.motorsp...303678/s3_1.jpg

Felipe and Michael are too close for him to have a direct hand in Felipe losing his drive. I honestly don't see it happening. But it's by far not the biggest issue.

#159 DS27

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 13:43

My dream (and it is only a dream...) is that he goes to V8 Supercars along with Casey Stoner. Would roll all my favourites up in one series!

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#160 Talryyn

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 14:00

He'd be silly to continue. I hope he retires and enjoys life.


For me enjoying life is when I am at the track trying to get that perfect lap in, and I hope to be doing this for many more years. We have a 78-year old that races with us even, and has not harmed himself or anyone. Now if I had the type of money that Schumi has, I would already have a track around my property and would just invite friends over to race each weekend. ;) If I win the lottery or one of my projects does well, I will invite everyone in the this thread over!

So if Ferrari takes Kimi, which makes a bit of sense as he will not be any type of distraction to Fred - unless he trounces him each weekend. With the car developed around Alonso now, is it something Schumi would even be comfortable in? Kimi I think would even be at a disadvantage here. Sauber in my mind makes the most sense, and I think the car is much better than the Merc. With Alonso making the comment that MS could have had three wins at Sauber, I wonder if this is from speculation he has heard that a move there is likely.


#161 MCh000

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 14:17

Peter Sauber would do well to get Schumacher to join his team.
Maybe for 1 or 2 years in the car as long as Michael still enjoys that
Then let him take a managerial role, perhaps let him buy a share in the team


I also think that would be great. Why not to make Sauber his personal ambition? Naturally this team would have a big fan base globally and sponsors.

#162 Talryyn

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 14:39

I also think that would be great. Why not to make Sauber his personal ambition? Naturally this team would have a big fan base globally and sponsors.


Maybe if he goes one of his requirements is to bring back the paint scheme from 2004/2005. Those were sexy cars!


#163 King Six

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 14:42

I think it's time for him to step down. Not sure who Sauber will put in next to Kamui, probably Jaime Alg.

#164 Sof1

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 14:58

Here is a new article from BBC about Ferrari's driver options for 2013:

BBC Article

As usual, no mention whatsoever of Michael Schumacher in the British media. :rotfl:

Edited by Sof1, 01 October 2012 - 14:59.


#165 Szoelloe

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 15:56

Begs the question - what is Ferrari waiting for and why hasn't Kimi signed for Lotus yet?


Telling Massa to go frekk himself next year wiith the six WDC-deciding races still ahead, could ruin FA's chances too. I would wait as long as possible, it is perfectly understandable. I don't think they are interested in KR either, that's about as possible as signing MS next year, which is approximately zero. They will go for NH, MHO, or PdR, but former seems more of a possibility to me.





Here is a new article from BBC about Ferrari's driver options for 2013:

BBC Article

As usual, no mention whatsoever of Michael Schumacher in the British media. :rotfl:


Why would they mention him? Why would Ferrari sign him at all? It really would be the biggest news of the past 2 decades in terms of driver pairing at least for me personally, but it won't happen, it is just not going to work. Wishful thinking is ok, but reality sooner or later has to sink in. I am as frustrated about how MS' comeback panned out as anybody here, but I don't see any viable options here. I am not so sure I would like him to suck in the midfield driving A Sauber either. But it is his decision. If he wants to try to be on the grid, so be it.


#166 Wheels23

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 16:07

My dream (and it is only a dream...) is that he goes to V8 Supercars along with Casey Stoner. Would roll all my favourites up in one series!


Jacques is enough thank you :p



#167 Boxerevo

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 16:22

Ferrari or retirement.

#168 Sakae

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 17:55

Prost on Schumacher...

Asked what Schumacher’s biggest contribution to F1 is these days, Prost answered: “Passion in its purest form. It’s pretty amazing to see someone at that level.


http://www.forumula1...for-schumacher/

Edited by Sakae, 01 October 2012 - 17:56.


#169 Igorr

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 17:58

Prost on Schumacher...



http://www.forumula1...for-schumacher/


I am not suprised.. Drivers such as Prost, Mika, Damon they all admire Michael for what he is doing at the moment compared Coulthard or Irvine who cannot stop their mouth talking sh*t for Michael's both careers..


#170 Sof1

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 18:01

Its October already, I can't wait for the news!

#171 Igorr

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 18:05

Just imagine the possible grid for next year:

Alonso/Schumacher - Ferrari
Vettel/Webber - RB
Hamilton/Rosberg - Mercedes
Button/Perez - Mclaren
Raikonnen/Grosjean

With such a competitive cars, there would be crazy battles between the top teams.

#172 Riverside

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 18:12

Retirement. The project to bring MS back was to bring Mercedes to the front and after three years it has
not yielded the desired results - so upward and onward with someone else for Brawn and Nico ....

#173 destiny

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 18:57

Even if shumi drives a donkey i would still support him

In 30+ yrs time only the 7 championships will stand out and not anything after that.....

go shumi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy racing till you can :up:

#174 David Lightman

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 19:40

Here is a new article from BBC about Ferrari's driver options for 2013:

BBC Article

As usual, no mention whatsoever of Michael Schumacher in the British media. :rotfl:


I wouldn't trust Andrew Benson if he told me the earth was round. He was the guy saying Lewis had insisted on number one status the other day.

#175 Sof1

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 19:45

I wouldn't trust Andrew Benson if he told me the earth was round. He was the guy saying Lewis had insisted on number one status the other day.


Actually no British media is discussing Schumacher's future whatsoever. If any mention of it, it would be that he should retire. Why they hate him so much, I can't understand!

Edited by Sof1, 01 October 2012 - 19:46.


#176 Pits

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 19:51

Actually no British media is discussing Schumacher's future whatsoever. If any mention of it, it would be that he should retire. Why they hate him so much, I can't understand!


Some fans just got totally frustrated with Michael's dominance and are filled with gruge so much that they aren't able to see past that.
Commentators like DC, Brundle, Herbert and Jordan are also frustrated because Schumacher kicked there butts a million times on live TV... :rotfl:
It's sad but it's true. You can also see it with Vettel a little bit, a lot of people don't like him and his finger either.

#177 Number62

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Posted 01 October 2012 - 19:54

Actually no British media is discussing Schumacher's future whatsoever. If any mention of it, it would be that he should retire. Why they hate him so much, I can't understand!


Rubbish.

BBC - "Schumacher undecided..."
Sky - "Schumacher interests Sauber"
Telegraph - "Schumacher keeps options open"

Those were the first three British Media sites I went to and they're all discussing it.

#178 30ft penguin

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 05:26

I don't buy into this management role as much as many other are. I just can't see it. He stayed on at Ferrari after 2006 because it was Ferrari. I can't see him doing the same for Sauber or Mercedes.


Yes. Everybody is always talking about "if driver x cannot drive anymore, he will just take up a management role". Thing is though, you cannot just decide to take up a management role, you actually have to be able to do that. While most drivers are good at driving, that does not automatically make them a good team manager. I seriously cannot see Schumacher as a management type guy. He is a genuinely nice guy, he can drive, but I cannot see him sit a desk and fiddle with numbers.


#179 30ft penguin

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 05:28

Just imagine the possible grid for next year:

Alonso/Schumacher - Ferrari
Vettel/Webber - RB
Hamilton/Rosberg - Mercedes
Button/Perez - Mclaren
Raikonnen/Grosjean

With such a competitive cars, there would be crazy battles between the top teams.


I'd actually stay up and watch practice sessions for that one again :up:

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#180 Sakae

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 05:42

Interestingly enough, one of more prominent people on Schumacher side thinks, that Michael should continue with a mid-field team. W. Webber knows Michael quite well due to long time working relationship during their former association.

#181 Massa_f1

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:21

Interestingly enough, one of more prominent people on Schumacher side thinks, that Michael should continue with a mid-field team. W. Webber knows Michael quite well due to long time working relationship during their former association.



He has changed his mind then. He is advising him to quit now.

http://www.yallaf1.c.....8YallaF1.com)

Edited by Massa_f1, 02 October 2012 - 09:21.


#182 Eff One 2002

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:30

I'd say Schuey's F1 career is over after Brazil.

#183 Sakae

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:36

He has changed his mind then. He is advising him to quit now.

http://www.yallaf1.c.....8YallaF1.com)

Makes you wonder if he has some insight information that rest of us do not.

#184 Muz Bee

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:41

Some fans just got totally frustrated with Michael's dominance and are filled with gruge so much that they aren't able to see past that.
Commentators like DC, Brundle, Herbert and Jordan are also frustrated because Schumacher kicked there butts a million times on live TV... :rotfl:
It's sad but it's true. You can also see it with Vettel a little bit, a lot of people don't like him and his finger either.

:rolleyes: Yawn
And I would offer the opinion that some fans can't see past the fact that Schumacher is no longer hot property. He's one of the most error ridden driver in F1 in 2011/12. Ther is a log jam of younger drivers waiting to move up and Michael's front line career is over, period. I'm only being kind by saying he should retire immediately. It would be unkind to want to see him potter on in an even worse team that Mercedes and end up scratching just to get any points.

Ferrari will want to get someone who can win in the second car and that will be no easy thing based on F2012's speed.

Your talk of Brundle, Herbert and Jordan is pure BS. Everyone knows that Michael used to demand (like Senna) ring-fenced number one territory, used to take out a driver who was a threat, used to deliberately red flag qualifying, get in the way of opponents trying to qualify etc etc. Hardly surprising these guys and many others like Warwick would state the truth.

Winning relentlessly as you say does have a negative effect but Michael bought much of his unpopularity with his actions and his fans draw their share of scorn for defence of the indefensible.

#185 Massa_f1

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:44

Makes you wonder if he has some insight information that rest of us do not.


Yes more than likely considering he will be working out Hulk's Contracts. He will know what is available and what is not. Ferrari in my opinion is not. Sauber is his only option, and i am 90% certain he will not risk signing for them as he risks being stuck battling like mad for 10th place all over again.

Sadly in my opinon i think it is over.

#186 MCh000

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:52

He has changed his mind then. He is advising him to quit now.

http://www.yallaf1.c.....8YallaF1.com)


“What is this? Continue with Sauber? With a private team? I can’t imagine Michael doing that."

Actually I think this is what he had to do if he was about to drive for pleasure without waking up critics. A 7 times world champion who can let himself to drive for a team from the country where he lives just because he wants it. That wouldn't have been be a "second" carrier. Of course nobody has imagined that Mercedes would be such a disaster and nothing more than a BAR/Honda. However in three years he gained new experience, learned the lesson and earned money. He can say, that he is not any more a part of someone's corporate strategy but a man who can simply do what he wants to do.

#187 sharo

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 09:54

Michael should listen to his heart and make a decision alone. Too much advisers each having some second thought. It can't be worse than 3 years in Mercedes, therefore he has nothing to lose.

#188 Igorr

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 10:10

Hey guys just a quick question, why did Michael split up with W.Webber?

#189 as65p

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 10:17

Hey guys just a quick question, why did Michael split up with W.Webber?


Because of this stuff, I presume. Sorry, too lazy to do more than a Google translation, I guess you'll get it anyway. It's from german Wikipedia.

On 17 Weber was indicted in July 2007 by the office in Koblenz incitement to unfaithfulness in a very serious case. He is in 2001 the company Dierdorfer pole position have Merchandising (PPM) led to financial transactions in which a variety of creditors for a total of 1.1 million euros have been cheated. [6] At the trial on 29 September 2008 Weber admitted his guilt and was subsequently the Regional Court (Landgericht) Koblenz sentenced to one year probation and fined in the amount of 720,000 euros. [7] In addition, he was on 16 September 2008 indicted for embezzlement and willful bankruptcy in connection with the PPM failure of the Stuttgart public prosecutor. In August 2010, Weber was convicted Insolvenzverschleppung the Stuttgart District Court to two years probation and ordered to pay 360,000 euros to charities and in the insolvency of one of his company. [8]



#190 Sof1

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 10:17

Hey guys just a quick question, why did Michael split up with W.Webber?

Good question, no idea. Maybe when he retired he didn't need him so much so Willi looked for other drivers to represent. When Schumacher came back, he gave the manager position to his former publicist as a gift for her long term commitment to him. (Managers make a percentage of the driver's salaries, so its a very nice gift to give Sabine Kehm)

Thats what is think happened. If i am missing anything or everything, i hope someone can correct me.

#191 as65p

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 10:21

... Michael used to demand (like Senna)...


Oh come on. Just because you dislike both of them the same doesn't mean you have to drag Senna in where it doesn't fit in the slightest.

As you say yourself: :rolleyes: Yawn

#192 RedBaron

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 10:54

Willi Weber didn't get it right in 2006 and he was well in the thick of it back then... so I don't think what he says now is gospel.

#193 DutchCruijff

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 10:56

Neither did he get it right back in 2009 and 2010.

#194 Sof1

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 11:43

Schumacher is still motivated to continue F1.

Interview

#195 matzy

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 13:11

I fully expected his retirement, but I am not so sure now. I half expected him to announce it prior to any announcement about Lewis joining Mercedes ... but the fact he still hasn't said so speaks volumes I believe. I am certain Mercedes (or Ross, more particularly) would have spoken to Michael and given him the option to confirm his retirement before they announced Lewis was joining. This makes me think Michael is keeping his options open and he is trying to line something else up for 2013. Personally, I would be amazed if he ended up in either a Ferrari or Lotus. I imagine he is looking lower down the field (Sauber/Williams). If my assumptions are correct, I would sooner he retire. I just believe that the risks outweigh the benefits, but he is a racer at the end of the day, and if he still has the urge (and bearing in mind he has nothing to prove as far as I am concerned) I would not be surprised if he did join a mid-field team for a season or two just for the hell of it.

#196 MrMontecarlo

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 13:23

Schumacher -> Sauber

Räikkönen -> Ferrari
Schumacher -> Lotus

Massa -> Sauber
Schumacher -> Ferrari

Which will it be?


One of the last two IMO. I just can't see Schumacher in a Sauber.

#197 Lennat

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 13:36

Well, it must be more fun to drive a mediocre midfield F1 car than to drive in the DTM and still be mediocre, like Ralf. :)

If he still enjoys himself, then he should stay.

#198 schubacca

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 13:38

Here is a new article from BBC about Ferrari's driver options for 2013:

BBC Article

As usual, no mention whatsoever of Michael Schumacher in the British media. :rotfl:



LOL

Apparently, the WDC titles from 1999-2004 were left vacant....



#199 steveninthematrix

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 15:50

A little mouse whispered in my ear that Schumacher could go back to Ferrari,” former Ferrari driver Patrick Tambay told RMC Sport. “It is perhaps just the dream of some tifosi, but why not?”

http://www.forumula1...gned-massa-yet/

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#200 JensonWDC

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 15:58

he has nothing to lose, so why not? Nobody would expect him to beat Alonso but f he does this board is going to explode :p